Bougie, Palmer named flag national team coaches

Football Canada has named François Bougie head coach of its Senior Women’s Flag Football National Team while Chad Palmer will serve the same role with Canada’s Senior Men’s Flag Football National Team. The pair hope to improve upon a women’s fourth and men’s fifth place finish at the 2016 IFAF Flag Football World Championships in Miami, Florida.

“We’re excited to return both Canadian national team head coaches in preparation for the 2018 IFAF Flag Football World Championships,” said Aaron Geisler, manager of development, Football Canada. “The competition at these events continues to improve as does flag football around the world. Following our experience in Miami a review of our program indicated that it was time we move from provincially-based to identified flag national teams.”

Bougie continues storied tenure with Women’s Flag National Team

Bougie became Canada’s first Women’s Flag Football National Team’s head coach at IFAF competition in 2008 and has had a tremendous amount of success. Under his leadership, Canada’s women have reached the podium in three of their four IFAF world championship appearances including gold in 2010 and 2014 as well as silver in 2008.

He also helped Canada to a pair of silver medals as offensive line coach (2010) and offensive coordinator (2013) at the IFAF Women’s World Championships. In 2001, he served as the Montreal Blitz’ head coach for their inaugural season in the Women’s Independent Football League.

Coaching bio

Head coach

Women’s Flag Football National Team, IFAF FFWC in 2008, 2010, 2014 and 2016

Chad Palmer is fresh off his flag worlds coaching debut, leading Canada to a 6-3 record. He is a long-time high school coach and has previously coached internationally with the Women’s National Team as well as with Team Saskatchewan on multiple occasions.

He began the Saskatoon Adult Flag Football League as a 21-team men’s and women’s senior flag league in 2012. After five years, it has become the largest in Saskatchewan boasting 72 teams playing an indoor season (winter) and outdoor season (summer).